Arthur Crabtree wrote:This sort of stuff seems to be increasingly kept in house. In the UK, the press really doesn't question anything, in case they get frozen out by the ECB in respect to stories and leaks, so no one investigates stuff.
I had just come onto this thread to whinge about how secretive cricket is about anything untoward.
It is like "if we ignore it/don't tell anyone about it, we can pretend our great game is still unsullied".
A few articles I have looked at say little more than what I posted above, except to say it stemmed from an incident during NSW's first innings.
However, the SBS website tells us:
The charge is believed to relate to Botha's actions after taking a second new ball in NSW's second innings.
He is believed to have used spikes on his shoes to tamper with the old ball, which he then threw away.
Botha declined to speak to media after SA came within one NSW wicket of winning and securing their spot in the Shield final, but coach Darren Berry said the captain was "emotional" in the changing rooms.
The Blues' last three tailenders survived almost 20 overs and NSW were nine wickets down at stumps.
Still a little confusing - did he tamper with the old ball after the new ball had been taken?
hereAssuming that this is true - and I feel confident about the general quality of SBS's reporting/journalism - the context of the incident is very interesting.
South Australia have had a very lean run in Sheffield Shield for a couple of decades (Botha was brought in to try to correct this), and have a real chance of appearing in, even hosting, the final for the first time in (possibly) 18 years. During the closing stages of the match (when SBS say the incident occured), they were pushing heavily for a win that would have almost guarranteed them a spot in the final.
This makes Botha's actions that much more serious, imo. The man has admitted to the crime, merely disputes the penalty. So do I! I think one match is incredibly lenient
Then again, I AM biased against Botha - I don't think that he should be allowed to be playing cricket at all. I think he has the dodgiest of bowling actions going around. I hear MM has said that Botha chucks.....